Tudors' top scorer Jake Robinson becomes record signing for Billericay Town

James Averill

Hemel Hempstead Town's top scorer Jake Robinson has been snapped up by Billericay Town.

The Ryman Isthmian League Premier Division side shelled out £24,000 yesterday to make the striker their record signing - on the same day as securing the signature of former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara.

With 23 goals, Robinson was behind only Maidenhead's Dave Tarpey in the National League South scoring charts. Picture by Terry Rickeard

The loss of Robinson, aged 30, is a bitter blow for the Tudors, for whom he is the top scorer this season. He has netted more than 20 times in the National League South, with 13 coming since the turn of the year.

But Hemel have 'reluctantly' decided to let Robinson step down a division after receiving a satisfactory fee from the Essex side, who were recently taken over by multi-millionaire Glen Tamplin.

Former England and Liverpool left-back Paul Konchesky was their first big signing a month ago, as Billericay continue to flex their new found financial muscle. The club currently sit 9th, and are bidding for a Play-Off place to join the Tudors in the National League South next year.

A statement from Hemel Hempstead Town said: "An offer was received by the club and accepted for Jake Robinson to move to Billericay Town with immediate effect.

"Jake has had a fantastic season with us this year and expressed an interest to talk to Billericay Town once the approach had been made. He decided that he would like to move on having spoken to them. The club reluctantly decided to let Jake go.

"The club would like to thank Jake for his efforts this season and wish him the very best of luck for the future."